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Drowned Lands Swamp,
photo by David Edwards
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Description
The
Drowned Lands Swamp Conservation Area in Ancram is
characterized by woodlands, open fields, streams, extensive wetlands and the
northern portion of a 350-foot hill, known locally as
"Old Croken."
The larger Drowned Lands Swamp
ecosystem, covering approximately 2,000 acres, is one of the
largest wetland complexes in southeastern New York. This
area encompasses some of Columbia County's most intact
agricultural communities, including a number of family
operated dairy farms.
The
Drowned Lands Swamp Conservation Area, owned and managed by the Columbia Land
Conservancy, provides visitors with opportunities for
non-motorized recreational activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and bird watching.
One and a half miles of trails provide
visitors with access to the top of Old Croken as well as a
walk that meanders along the base of the hill at
the edge of the swamp.
Trail
Map
Click
here
to download a trail map.
Upcoming
Activities
Sightings Have
you you seen an unusual animal track, spotted a new bird, or
noticed a wildflower in bloom while visiting a conservation
area? Send
us your
wildlife observations and we will post them here to share with
the community. Directions
From
Route 22 North:
Follow Route 22 south through Hillsdale and
Copake. Turn right onto Route 3 and follow it as it
bends to the left. Proceed past Wiltsie Bridge Road,
Blodget Road, and pass over the Punch Brook. The
entrance to the conservation area is just past the Punch Brook
on the left. Look for the Drowned Lands Swamp
Conservation Area sign.
From
Route 82: Take
Route 82 heading east into Ancram. Proceed past the
intersection of Routes 7 and 82, and take the next left onto
Wiltsie Bridge Road. Follow Wiltsie Bridge Road until it
meets with Route 3 and take a right onto Route 3. Follow
Route 3 past Blodgett Road and over the Punch Brook. The
entrance to the conservation area is just past the Punch
Brook, on the left. Look for the Drowned Lands Swamp
Conservation Area sign.
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